The 2014 US Chess Championships and US Women’s Championships featured the most thrilling finale I’ve ever seen in both my own years of playing and in my six years of hosting and chairing the US Championships.

After a series of twists and turns in both events, each ended in three-way ties for first. Though Gata Kamsky and Irina Krush both ended up retaining their thrones, the race to the top of American chess is clearly getting fiercer. See Brian Jerauld’s full report for games and details.

Getting to the heart of the Chess Club’s mission, as well as my own work, we also had a great field trip with girl scouts at Ballpark Village, right outside the Cardinals Stadium. The festivities included a human chess game and bullet games by GMs Robert Hess and Ben Finegold, commentated by GM Maurice Ashley.

In a perfect crowning moment for the Championships. Rex and Jeanne Sinquefield received the keys to the city from Mayor Francis Slay in recognition of all they’ve done for the city.